Part of Effort to Improve Access to Fresh Food and Nutrition Education in Underserved Communities
Dakota Rural Action (DRA) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.
Newman’s Own Foundation made the award to Dakota Rural Action as part of a broader commitment to support programs that increase access to fresh food and nutrition education in underserved communities. This funding will help DRA to continue work on Farm to School efforts in South Dakota and inform the public.
Dakota Rural Action has been working on Farm to School issues across South Dakota since 2010. In 2016 DRA helped start the Farm to School Taskforce which serves as a connection to resources, state and federal agencies, regional support groups, training, networking opportunities, and more geared toward statewide Farm to School efforts and creating a culture of health in South Dakota’s School System. The Task Force aims to focus on healthy communities, healthy environments, healthy relationships, and a healthy local economy, while supporting ongoing sustainability of Farm to School programs and classroom education. Farm to School efforts will also be highlighted at the 2016 SD Local Foods Conference which will take place November 3-5 in Mitchell, SD.
“We are proud to fund Dakota Rural Action as they work to make a difference in our communities,” said Bob Forrester, President and CEO, Newman’s Own Foundation. “They are one of the many organizations helping to identify needs and fill the gaps for children and families who lack access to healthy foods.”
Newman’s Own Foundation has been supporting food and nutrition programs for more than 30 years and has given more than $11.5 million to nutrition-focused organizations since 2014. The Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to give all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own food and beverage products to charity. Since 1982, more than $475 million has been donated to thousands of charities around the world.